Science

Science is very important at Riverside Primary School. We aim to enable children to develop an understanding of the world by using and applying scientific knowledge, skills and ideas as well as developing their natural curiosity about the world.

Our teaching at Riverside Primary offers opportunities for children to:

develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding.

develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of Science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.

be equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future.

use a range of methods to communicate their scientific information and present it in a systematic, scientific manner, including I.C.T., diagrams, graphs and charts.- develop a respect for the materials and equipment they handle with regard to their own, and other children’s safety.- develop an enthusiasm and enjoyment of scientific learning and discovery.

Intention:

At Riverside Primary School, we strive to promote the love of learning science and for children to understand and be curious about the science within their everyday lives. Throughout each topic children will be taught the processes involved with experimental and investigative science. Where possible we make cross-curricular links to all curriculum areas and Maths, in particular, through data handling and measuring.

We introduce methods of enquiry and investigation to stimulate creative thought in a practical way. Children learn to ask scientific questions, learn new scientific vocabulary, record and interpret their findings and begin to appreciate how Science affects their lives both now and in the future.

We want our children to develop a scientific mind, to ask questions and learn how to investigate the world around them. As with all of the subjects taught we want children to ask questions to further their learning and understanding.

As a school, we follow a knowledge, skills and understanding framework from which we ensure the progress and attainment of all children. This framework also ensures that our children receive a rich and varied, progression curriculum.

Implementation:

To allow our children to become keen Scientists and make progress with their learning we endeavour to ensure that all lessons are built upon prior knowledge and are engaging for the children. Each year group learns different Scientific knowledge and skills which we believe will give children the confidence and motivation to continue to further develop their skills into the next stage of their education and life experiences.

Our lessons regularly have opportunities for scientific enquiry through investigations and problem solving. Our children are provided with lots of chances to ask their own questions and explore the world around them.

We follow the National Curriculum guidance for the topics taught to each year group and through continuous assessment we are able to ensure that all teaching helps to improve the children’s understanding of Science. Teachers plan enjoyable, engaging and inspiring practical activities that mean the children are working hands- on and are able to develop their independence through investigations. Our hands-on investigations also allow for our children to develop resilience and teamwork as they strive to achieve and make progress with their learning.

Below are the topics covered in each year group:

Key Stage 1

Year 1

Year 2

Seasonal Change

All living things and their habitats

Plants

Plants

Animals including humans

Animals including humans

Everyday materials

Uses of everyday materials

Key Stage 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Plants

All living things

All living things

All living things

Animals, including humans

Animals including humans

Animals including humans

Animals including humans

Rocks

States of matter

Properties and changes of materials

Evolution and inheritance

Light

Sound

Earth and Space

Electricity

Forces and magnets

Electricity

Forces

Light

Impact:

Teacher’s continually assess children’s understanding and scientific enquiry skills. Lessons are planned to ensure all children make progress and achieve the intended outcomes of the National Curriculum. We use a system called O’Track to keep check of all of our children’s progress and attainment and use this to ensure all children are on track. Teachers use this tool to further plan to challenge and extend children and also use it to identify potential gaps in children’s understanding and plan accordingly.